The message of Romans 12
The context of Romans 12 talks about serving God with our spiritual gifts and being a good ambassador of Christ on earth.
Our relationship with God requires certain standards which are set only by Him. We cannot alter those standards and God will not also alter it for any man’s sake.
We saw this in 2 Timothy 2 verses 19 to 21,
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Our relationship with God starts from our personalities. It is very clear in the scripture above. If you want to be identified with God, you must depart from sin. If you want to be a worker in God’s vineyard, and you know you are not standing right, first go and purge yourself before you enlist in the office.
Apostle Paul understood this standard and was pleading to the Romans in this message. He admonished them not to follow the patterns of the world but to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable by God which is their reasonable service.
Paul encouraged the people to endeavor to serve God with the different gifts God has bestowed on each and every one. He gave them an illustration that will stick into their memory, that as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, the same way we have many people in the body of Christ but with one body, and individually members of one another.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” ( Romans 12 verses 6 to 8)
Where to showcase our identities as children of God is in our attitudes. This is what the world wants to see. There is a way a Christian must behave. We cannot adjust to modern-day standards but rather stick to the truth of God that stands forever. We must exhibit Christian love in our Christian life.
Paul mentioned in Romans 12 verse 2,
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
According to the Apostle Paul, believers must dwell together in genuine love which is true love. Our own love must be in a different way. Going beyond our personal needs, loving others is a high form of love required from the early Christians and even the body of Christ today.
We must be kind and demonstrate brotherly affection to one another by giving preference to one another. Unbelievers also love but with pretense. This kind of love is not real love but what we can call fake love. We are cautioned by Paul not to behave like them but to love without hypocrisy.
Christians should not forget the place of prayer, not be slothful in business, serving the Lord in the face of any trials or tribulations we are encouraged to be patient and joyful in our faith.
Paul continued to express the qualities of a good Christian. The attributes might sound foolish but that is the way to prove our obedience to God. We are to distribute to the needs of the saints and also bless those who curse us.
Be transparent to one another and do good always even if someone hurts you. The Bible says in Exodus 14 verse 14, that God shall fight for you and you shall hold your peace. He is the God of vengeance.
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” says the Lord.” ( Romans 12 verses 17 to 19)
The list is without end, the message to every believer is to live like a true child of God by behaving like Christ.
How Do I Know A True Christian?
Jesus said in John 10 verses 27 to 30, I know my sheep and my sheep knows my voice.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”
He also mentioned in Matthew 7 verses 21 to 23,
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”
So many will be denied by Jesus on the last day. Your title cannot bail you. There is no entitlement in the title. Only the works of your hand shall speak for you when the trumpet sounds.
There are norms and values Christians must exhibit to be a bonafide child of God. Some of these qualities are discussed below.
Live a Life that Pleases God
Anyone who is not ready to live a holy life is not worthy to be called a child of God. In the Old Testament, God said to the Israelites in Leviticus 11 verses 44 to 45,
“For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. For I am the Lord who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
In the New Testament, Jesus also reiterates the same message to us in 1 Peter 1 verses 15 to 16
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
The two scripture quotations above confirm God will not negotiate holiness with anyone. Holiness simply means Godliness. You cannot please God in iniquities.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
We need to understand that holiness is a race, you may not be there in one day but make sure you are striving to the path. Apostle Paul warned us in 2 Corinthians 6 not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? and what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? and what agreement has the temple of God with idols?
He reminded us we are the temple of the living God.
“Therefore, Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” ( 2 Corinthians 6 verses 17 to 18)
Paul knew it would take a process to achieve this state, therefore he followed the message up in the first verse of 2 Corinthians chapter 7 with a word of soothing; Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Obey the Word of God
A true son will not struggle to obey his father. You cannot claim a bonafide child of God if you will not hearken to His commandments. Obedience to the word of God is simply obedience to God. You cannot separate God from His word. In the beginning, was the word, the word was with God and the word was God.
Jesus said in John 14 verses 21 to 24,
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”
Read the word, believe it, and obey the word.
Spread the Gospel
A true Christian will not be ashamed to preach to others. Paul said He is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. If you are ashamed to talk about Jesus to someone today, He will also be ashamed of you on the last day.
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” (Luke chapter 9 verse 26)
The first task that Jesus gave to us before He ascended to heaven was to go into the world to preach the gospel. This is called the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ( Matthew 28 verses 19 to 20)
The will of God is for all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. As a child of God, we must partner with Him to accomplish His will. One vital way to be actively involved in the salvation of souls is by preaching the gospel.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9 verses 16 to 18
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.”
Preaching the word of God must be your lifestyle if truly you are a child of God.
Be a Dedicated Servant of God
Partnering with God to populate heaven must be the priority of every Christian. We just talked about preaching the word, it must not end there. Inviting them to church is crucial where they will hear the word constantly and be established in the church and also in the kingdom of God.
Jesus was speaking to us in John chapter 15 verse 16,
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
For you to partake in the rewards of stewardship, your fruits must be settled in the church.
While in church, a good Christian must be actively involved in kingdom service.
This can be spiritual stewardship which is simply praying for souls to be saved and to be established. It can also be physical stewardship which involves our physical presence in church either during church service or not. You can also serve God with your financial resources.
These are the ways to be a true laborer in the vineyard of God. The good news is that the rewards are also unmatchable.
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.”
Be a passionate servant of God, you will be glad you do so.
Christianity is a religion that is based on the values and doctrine laid down by Christ. A lot of people see it as a mere religion, forgetting the foundation and the belief of what the religion stands for.
Some feel going to church regularly is what makes one a Christian. This is a misconception, and a lot of people have been deceived by this fallacy.
Christianity is a lot more than that. Going to church regularly is expected to build us up but what we do outside the church matters more.
The Bible says in Hebrews 10 verses 24 to 25,
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.”
Are you a doer of those words that you hear? or just a hearer as mentioned in James 1 verses 22 to 25,
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
As Christians, we must not deviate from the teachings of Jesus. Our life must also be a true reflection of Jesus as we remain His bonafide ambassador on earth.
2 Corinthians 5 verses 19 to 21 admonishes,
“That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Being an ambassador of Christ simply means being a good representative of Jesus on the earth. Let people see Jesus in your words and your deeds.
Let us now deep dive into what being a Christian truly means.
How Can I Apply Romans 12:9–21 to my Life?
We know that we are Christian because we believe the things that God has revealed to us concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. We have eternal life in Him alone.
Living according to the will of God is what makes true believers.
What is the will of God?
The will of God is simply the word of God. In other words, living according to the word of God is the basic requirement to be enlisted as a child of God.
In John 8 verse 31 to 32 says,
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The word of God is a spiritual mirror for the children of God ( James 1 verse 23).
Another way to apply this message is through genuine love. Paul specifically mentioned “love without hypocrisy” This signifies not all love is sincere love.
Unbelievers love for what they stand to get back. Show love to your family members and fellow believers but do not limit it to these.
Our love must be unconditional just as our Lord Jesus loved us, let love be among what you show to others. This will make us role models to fellow Christians and the entire Christian community.
Jesus admonished us in Luke 6, If we love those who love us, or do good to those that are kind to us, what credit is that to us? For even sinners also love those who love them.
We are told to love our enemies, show affectionate love to them, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; by so doing, you shalt heap coals of fire on the heads of your enemies. This is what makes a true child of God.
What is Romans 12:9–21 Prayer?
Lord Jesus, thank you for the salvation of my soul and counting be worthy to be one of your children. Create in me a new heart today to live a life worthy of emulation by others especially the unbelievers thereby drafting multitudes into the church of Christ on earth and into your kingdom, I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Conclusion
Jesus said concerning us that we are not of the world, just as He is not of the world. We are just here on assignment. Heaven is our home, we have to be conscious of this. Most Christians make the mistake of comparing themselves with unbelievers.
Remember how Paul enlightened us in this message,
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ( Romans chapter 12 verses 2)
Our leaders in the church must strive to be a good example for the flock. People appreciate what they see than what they hear or read. You can be a powerful preacher, but how many of those powerful words do you practice yourself?
Jesus condemns false prophets. You are a false prophet, if you teach people something and do otherwise.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” ( Matthew 7 verses 15 to 20)
By their fruits, we shall know them, not by their words. Your fruits simply referred to your attitude. Do not lead the flock astray.
Members also must follow the teachings as delivered to them. We strive to win souls to Christ by preaching to the unsaved. There is a quicker way to attract multitudes to the kingdom, our attitudes speak volumes more than our words. Most of the time, we may not even have time to speak the word of God.
Be a good example of God, walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.